I love buying Bibles – it’s kind of a habit or even a problem. If I’m kind of down or depressed (which we all know I get sometimes) I often buy a new Bible. A new teal leather cover, a different translation, a pocket size, large print; whatever it is, I justify it because, well, it’s a Bible. I’m supporting Christian publishers and my local Christian bookstore, right?
Did you know that there are more than 340 million people in the world without any scripture?
I have 13 Bibles in my home (and that’s just what I could find- I’m sure there is more in storage in our basement). My husband and I even have the full Bible with multiple translations on our phones.
My two oldest boys with our Bible stack.
13 Bibles of various translations and sizes
I love Bibles, but not so much that I need 13, especially when people in the world don’t have a single verse in their language. So what am I gonna do about it?
Well, first off, I’m refraining from buying any more Bibles. Second, I’ve begun sharing my “extra” Bibles with my friends in real life. Third, I’m making a difference in the lives of the Vidunda people.
I know I’ve said it before, but I’m a One Verse Blogger. This means I’m partnering with One Verse/The Seed Company (which are part of the Wycliffe Bible Translators) to raise awareness of Bible poverty, specifically the Vidunda people.
But even more than that- I’m a monthly One Verse partner for the Vidunda. For $26 a month (and a one time gift in memory of my dad too) I’m helping One Verse get the Bible translated for the Vidunda people.
Last month we received our first verse packet.
Matthew 24:43 was the verse we helped translate. That’s right, you get a note each month describing what is going on with the people, how you can pray, and what verse was translated. I actually feel like I’m making a difference for these people.
I know what scripture means to me, but can you imagine what it would be like hearing about Jesus for the first time? The Vidunda are a people that have traditionally taken part in witchcraft and animal rituals. Oh the hope and freedom these people can find in Jesus!!!
Truly I say to you, as you did this to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40 ESV
Want to serve along side of me for the Vidunda people? Want to provide hope to the other side of the world?
Join me in spreading the news, together let’s get the word out. Psalm 34:3 (theMSG)
Do you have many Bibles? A tall or a short stack? Take a pic of your stack of Bibles and join us at Meredith’s blog or post on One Verse’s Facebook page for a chance to win a gift from the One Verse Bloggers!!!
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Cute pic with the boys helping!!
Great post!!
I so understand how you could end up buying those Bibles! I’ve justified purchasing the really expensive ones through the years because, after all, they’re BIBLES. I was amazed to see how high my own stack grew. Wow. Awesome post!
Yep, can so relate. I enjoy buying new Bibles too, especially the different kinds of “study” Bibles. After stacking them up, though, I was embarrassed to see how many I have actually accumulated!
Great post!
I’m right there with you. Besides gift Bibles, there will be a new study Bible that I HAVE to have or maybe I’m traveling and decide I need a small one to carry. I like the simple idea of refraining from buying more Bibles for ourselves so that we can buy verses (not even a whole Bible) for someone else. Thank you for your commitment to OneVerse. We love ya!
I completely understand. There’s something about seeing a new study Bible that just gets me going; wondering if it might help me understand on a deeper level or learn something new. Still, the more I learn about OneVerse, the more convicted I’ve been about trying to do something about the fact that millions still can’t even read 1 Bible in their language.
Same here!!!
Kristi, it blesses me to see how much pride you take in being a OneVerse Blogger. Thank you! We enjoy having you on board! I like how you mentioned giving away your extra Bibles. That’s a great idea, in addition to helping end Bible poverty for the Vidunda people.
Johanna- it’s a pleasure to be part of this group!! I love what we’re doing!!!